The outcome might be identical, but the journey to get there? That's where the magic—or the damage happens.

As brand designers, our past projects are more than just portfolio pieces – stories waiting to be told. Each case study is an opportunity to showcase what we created and the journey, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the final result.

You know those moments when everyday life suddenly becomes a perfect metaphor? Well, it happened to me during my weekly laundry ritual (yes, really!).

When starting a business, it’s easy to think, “I can do this myself,” if you don’t have the resources to invest in outside support. I’ve had several clients try to be financially prudent by hiring a designer through a freelancer platform like 99designs. Now, I’m not knocking on these platforms. However, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to get what you need from the designers or how to art direct them. That’s where I come in…

Ads do more than persuade a prospective customer to purchase your product – they color that customer’s opinion of your business and its values. That’s why it’s crucial to consider how you market what you’re selling.

So much has changed in our society since the advent of smartphones and social media. They’ve irrevocably altered how we interact with those around us and with the world at large. Every industry has had to undergo a metamorphosis, especially brand marketing (and I would know a thing or two about that).

A few months ago, Fast Company published a piece about multiple brands dumping their classic script logos. This includes Eddie Bauer abandoning its simple, elegant cursive wordmark in favor of a sans-serif font with a goose next to it. Johnson & Johnson also ditched its gorgeous, swooping letters for, you guessed it, a sans-serif font.

The holidays bring about a host of fun traditions. They’re how we reconnect with loved ones because, let’s face it, life often gets in the way. Chances are you have some of your own, whether passed down in your family or self-made. As for me and mine, we’ve got a handful of traditions that make the holidays – and Christmas in particular – even more special.

Sometimes, potential clients will ask me just to create a logo for them without the expectation that I’ll do their branding. For me, a logo is more than a simple graphic. Graphics are easy to create. But a logo is usually what consumers associate with a brand or business. It’s an essential part of branding.

I really admire Martha Stewart. A woman who moves through life with flexibility and curiosity, confidently pursues her dreams, embarks on many adventures, and befriends Snoop. Well, that last one might be a little harder to achieve. 

Revisiting an old project always makes for a uniquely introspective experience. There’s the knee-jerk human reaction to shrink away and judge yourself for the work you did years ago, especially when comparing it to where you are now. Of course, there’s also the glass-half-full approach: look at how far you’ve come. Look at that growth.

If one organization elevates young women and provides resources to ensure their success, it’s the Women’s Impact Alliance. I jumped at the chance to help them with their branding, as their mission profoundly resonates with me. Thanks to my favorite boss from the past bringing me into the fold, I not only did the branding for WIA, but I got to collaborate with him again.

Journey to Better Therapeutic Consulting, spearheaded by the amazing Talley Webb, connects families and children with mental health and substance use treatment programs that cater to their needs. She puts her knowledge of treatment options in the mental health sphere to good use.

Super Bowl Sunday: Where the Ads Take Center Stage

Let it be known, here and now: I’m not a football person. In fact, Super Bowl Sunday is the one day of the year when I actively watch football. To be honest, it’s mainly for the ads.

Since 2010, January has been dubbed National Human Trafficking Prevention Month to raise awareness, foster education, and prevent this heinous crime from occurring. Unfortunately, this is still a prevalent issue in the US.

When examining human trafficking rates by state in 2022, World Population Review notes that California has the highest number of human trafficking cases (1,334) while Rhode Island has the lowest (10). However, Mississippi boasts the highest rate of human trafficking per 100,000 people (6.32). To think this is a massive epidemic today is as shocking as it is infuriating and heartbreaking.

Has anything truly reframed how we travel in recent years like Airbnb? The vacation rental company has been a popular alternative to hotels (usually cheaper ones, at that) for 14 years now, and it doesn’t intend to slow down soon. Of course, as with practically every industry, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the company’s revenue, especially with travel taking a nosedive during its height.

Think about your favorite brands – what springs to mind? Is it their logos, color schemes, or some swoopy lettering? Chances are that your brain sticks to something visual. Like those brands, it’s important to forge your own visual path and create a lasting image that customers will always remember. Got to keep them coming back for more. Click here to check out our thoughts on branding with a visual identity!